chapter 16

Chapter 16

The gates of Valla stood open, a procession of knights and banners welcoming the arrival of King Mathias. His horse trotted through the grand entrance, his sharp gaze sweeping over the familiar streets he had left behind months ago. Behind him, his men rode in disciplined rows, their armor glinting under the midday sun.

At the palace steps, courtiers and nobles had gathered, their expressions a mixture of curiosity and reverence. Alistair stood among them, his face impassive yet regal, awaiting his father's return. At his side, a smaller figure trembled with anticipation.

The moment Mathias dismounted, Alissa broke into a run.

"Father!"

Mathias turned just in time to catch her as she flung herself into his arms. He let out a deep, genuine chuckle, wrapping his strong arms around her small frame. Lifting her slightly off the ground, he held her tightly, as if he could make up for the lost time in that one embrace.

"My little star," he murmured against her hair, closing his eyes briefly as he savored the moment.

Alissa clung to him, her small hands gripping his cloak as if afraid he might disappear again. "You're back," she said breathlessly, her pale hazel eyes bright with happiness.

"I am," Mathias assured her, his voice softer than anyone had heard in a long time. He stroked her hair, then pulled back just enough to look at her. "And you've grown in my absence."

Alissa grinned. "Of course! You've been away for too long."

Mathias chuckled and kissed the top of her head. "That, I have."

Their embrace lingered, and though the courtiers watched, no one dared to interrupt. It was an open display of affection from a man known more for his strength than his sentimentality.

After a long moment, Alissa finally loosened her hold but didn't let go entirely, keeping one hand wrapped around his arm as if to tether him to her. Mathias turned his gaze toward Alistair, his eldest child standing tall beside them.

"Alistair," Mathias greeted, his tone shifting to something more composed but still warm.

"Father," Alistair replied with a respectful nod. There was no grand gesture between them, but the understanding in their eyes was enough.

Mathias studied him for a moment, noting the weight of responsibility that had settled even more firmly onto his son's shoulders. "You've kept Valla well in my absence."

"I did what was necessary," Alistair answered.

Mathias gave him a nod of approval before shifting his attention back to Alissa, who still held onto his arm. "Shall we go inside?" he asked her with a small smile.

"Yes!" she beamed.

With his daughter still clinging to his side and his son walking beside him, Mathias stepped forward, finally home.

---

From a distance, Elias watched.

His gaze followed Alistair, who walked in step with his father, his expression unreadable. Yet, Elias knew him well enough to recognize the subtle shift in his posture-the weight of expectations pressing on him once more.

His hands clenched at his sides as the words Alistair had spoken to him days ago echoed in his mind.

"I love you."

Elias closed his eyes briefly. He had smiled when Alistair finally said it, yet doubt had still crept into his heart. Could love endure in the shadows of duty?

As the doors of the palace shut behind the royal family, Elias let out a quiet sigh. "No matter what happens," he whispered to himself, "I'll stay by your side."

Q

And with that silent vow, he turned away.

---

The Feast for King Mathias' Arrival

The grand hall of the palace was alive with celebration. Golden chandeliers illuminated the vast space, casting a warm glow over the long banquet table adorned with the finest dishes-roasted meats, fresh fruits, golden-baked bread, and goblets filled with the richest wines. The air was thick with the scent of spices and the murmur of noble conversation.

At the head of the table sat King Mathias, a figure of unwavering authority, but in this moment, a father simply pleased to be home. His beloved daughter Alissa clung to his arm, her small hands wrapped around him as if afraid to let go.

"You've grown since I last saw you," Mathias mused, his deep voice carrying warmth.

"I didn't grow that much, Father," Alissa giggled, though she refused to move from his side.

Alistair sat on his father's other side, his expression composed but distant. He raised his goblet to his lips, his mind elsewhere. Across the hall, the council and nobles engaged in discussions, their voices rising and falling with the clinking of cups and laughter.

Among them sat Lord Vryndel, a man of great stature and respect. His silver-streaked hair and strong features bore the mark of a man who had served Valla with unwavering loyalty. His family had fought alongside the Valois for generations, earning their place as one of the kingdom's most trusted allies.

As the evening carried on, a voice rose above the chatter.

"My King, Lady Jasmine Vryndel has arrived."

All eyes turned toward the entrance as Lady Jasmine stepped into the hall. She was a vision of quiet elegance, dressed in a deep emerald gown embroidered with silver, the fabric hugging her slender frame before flowing effortlessly to the floor. Her chestnut-brown hair cascaded down her back in soft waves, and her hazel eyes held both confidence and warmth.

She curtsied gracefully before Mathias. "Your Majesty," she spoke with ease, "I bring gifts from my family to celebrate your return."

Servants stepped forward, presenting silk-wrapped parcels and bottles of rare wine.

Mathias smiled approvingly, then turned to his son. "You and Alistair were childhood friends, were you not?"

Jasmine's lips curved slightly. "We were, though we were very young."

"Then join us," Mathias gestured toward an empty seat beside Alistair.

She inclined her head and took the seat, her movements graceful.

Alistair, however, barely acknowledged her. His gaze subtly swept across the room, searching for Elias among the knights stationed at the hall's edge. But he was nowhere to be seen. A quiet relief settled in his chest.

As the feast continued, Jasmine attempted light conversation with Alistair, but he remained absentminded.

"You were much livelier as a child," she remarked, breaking a piece of bread with delicate fingers.

"I don't remember much from then," he admitted, barely looking up.

"Well, I do," she teased. "You were an ugly child."

Alistair blinked, finally turning to her. "What?"

Jasmine smirked. "You were skinny, had a big forehead, and refused to let anyone touch your hair."

A small laugh escaped Alistair before he could stop it.

Jasmine gasped dramatically. "Oh, you smile! And here I thought the prince had forgotten how."

Alistair shook his head, his shoulders relaxing slightly.

"You actually look quite good when you smile," she added, her tone teasing.

"Are you always this bold?"

"Only when the company is boring," she said playfully, earning another smirk from him.

The tension in his chest loosened, even if only slightly.

---

The Walk in the Gardens

After the feast, Mathias suggested a walk, allowing fresh air to settle the heaviness of food and wine. The palace gardens, illuminated by lanterns, stretched before them in a peaceful glow.

Alistair walked beside Jasmine, the cool air brushing against his skin. His mind, however, was elsewhere.

After a brief silence, Jasmine spoke first. "Do you have someone?"

Alistair glanced at her. "What do you mean?"

She gave him a knowing look. "Everyone in town is talking about the prince's mysterious lover." Her voice was playful, but the weight of the words sat between them.

"It's not true," Alistair answered firmly.

"Oh, is it?" she prodded, peering at his face with curiosity. "You're awfully tense for someone who doesn't have a secret lover."

Alistair sighed, but Jasmine only grinned.

"I never thought you'd end up like this," she mused. "You were such a stubborn, grumpy little thing."

"I don't remember much of that either."

"Well, I do," she teased. "I distinctly remember you being very ugly."

Alistair let out a small laugh, shaking his head.

After a moment, Jasmine's teasing demeanor softened. She looked ahead before saying, "I used to have someone. But we ended it."

Alistair studied her expression, but she gave nothing away.

"You don't have to love," she said after a pause. "We just have to perform our duty-to guard Valla's future."

Then she stepped closer, voice quieter. "And who knows? We might grow fond of each other."

Alistair instinctively stepped back, putting distance between them. "I'm sorry," he said quickly.

Jasmine exhaled softly. "It's fine."

She glanced down at her shoes, then back at the palace. "I think we should head back. My feet hurt."

Without waiting for a response, she turned and walked toward the palace.

Alistair hesitated for a moment before following, his mind more entangled than ever.